The Basque prison model: achievements and pending challenges

Session Submission Type: Pre-arranged Panel

Abstract

The devolution of penitentiary matters to the Basque Country has taken place in a context that presents major challenges, but also great opportunities. The politically motivated violence during the years of ETA’s activity delayed the devolution and, once it has taken place, it has influenced some of the challenges faced by the Basque Country in the management of the same.

The panel aims at explaining the context of the Basque penitentiary model, which is focused on favouring a dignity-centred prison model guided by the aim of reintegration and the fostering contacts with the outside world through different measures such as open prison. In this context, the specific situation of ETA prisoners needs to be addressed, considering the stringent serving conditions applied to this collective, namely the policy of dispersion, solitary confinement and the specific reintegration requirements for open prison and conditional release. Furthermore, the reality of women prisoners will be tackled both in relation to the lack of women-only facilities and the unresolved issue of imprisoned mothers. Lastly, the critical issues affecting prison officers will be covered, such as the lack of staff and demands for improving their working conditions.

Subtopic

• Topic 5: Social Control and Criminal Justice / Imprisonment, Prisons, Prison Life and Effects of Imprisonment (Prisons WG)

Chair

• Enara Garro Carrera, University of the Basque Country

Individual Presentations

• The path towards a Basque prison model: a general overview - Enara Garro Carrera, University of the Basque Country

• Offender reintegration in the Basque prison model: practical challenges - Mikel Anderez Belategi, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)

• Current challenges of the Basque penitentiary system concerning ETA prisoners - Eneko Etxeberria Bereziartua, University of the Basque Country

• The reality of women in Basque prisons - Bertha María Gaztelumendi Caballero, University of the Basque Country

• Prison officers working in the Basque penitentiaries - Iñigo Gordon Benito, UNESCO Chair for Human Rights and Public Authorities, University of the Basque Country